The Department of National Defense (DND) kicked off the 2024 National Women’s Month celebration in a simple ceremony held today at the DND grounds.
“Every March, the whole world takes a closer look and celebrates the triumphs of women across all backgrounds. This month provides us all with a valuable opportunity not only to collectively honor the progress in women’s rights as well as the strides made towards equality and empowerment, but also to rally support for the fight against the various forms of gender-based injustices that continue to permeate today,” Undersecretary of National Defense Irineo C. Espino said in his message, which was delivered by Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon.
Usec Espino cited that as a regional leader in Asia for narrowing gender gaps, the Philippines centers its celebration on the recurring theme for 2023 to 2028, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” which aims to celebrate the country’s achievements in progressing gender and development, and solicit more support for the advocacy.
For 2024, the subtheme is “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!,” which Usec Espino stressed is a call for a new Philippines where women are provided with equitable opportunities to actively contribute to national development.
“At the Department of National Defense, we are steadfast in our commitment to defend safe spaces at all times nurturing an environment where all genders can flourish and participate,” Usec Espino said.
The Senior Undersecretary lauded the DND Gender and Development (GAD), Focal Point System for sustaining the advocacy, and all DND bureaus, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for ensuring that gender is mainstreamed in policies, procedures and programs at all levels in the department across the country.
To ensure that the DND campaign is not only contained in March but is implemented year-round, Usec Espino relayed his six-point GAD directive to all our bureaus and to all DND personnel, both civilian and military: (1) make DND a safe space for everyone; (2) develop a GAD agenda and always ensure that at least 5% of the agency budget is allocated for GAD programs; (3) review outdated GAD policies and formulate new ones that are aligned with the international mandates as well as national laws and issuances; (4) create more platforms that advance women’s rights and welfare; (5) provide more capacity building activities and opportunities for women to participate in activities where they can; and (6) involve everyone in the GAD advocacy.
